Shellshocked is an extremely dark play about the horrors of war. Young Wesley has returned from war, shellshocked and in need of a job. His father passed away while he was serving his king and country and he has a mother and three sisters to care for.

As we enter the theatre, an old man is on stage wandering about. As the lights go down there is a knock at the door and young Wesley enters in a brown suit that is way too big for his gaunt body. The old man is Lupine, an artist, to whom Wesley’s mother had sent a portfolio of Wesley’s art work in hope the old man will take Wesley on as an apprentice.

Lupine is calculating, abusive and jealous of Wesley. The horrors of war have broken Wesley but can he survive the madness that he is about to encounter with Lupine?

Just when you think you have the story line worked out, the plot changes.

Starring Jack Stokes (Winner, Adelaide Critics Circle Award 2023) and Lee Bainbridge – Heroin(e) For Breakfast, Shellshocked is a powerful new play from multi award-winning playwright Philip Stokes, the man behind last year’s Jesus, Jane, Mother and Me.

Wesley says to Lupine “It’s been a bit of an odd morning, sir”. The day doesn’t get any better for Wesley.

A dark powerful drama that is a must see for the 2025 Adelaide Fringe.